Canada entry requirements for Germany passport holders
Updated weekly · Last reviewed August 6, 2026·View sources
eVisa required
180 days
Max stay
180 days
Passport validity
6 months
Beyond entry date
Return ticket
Required
Or onward travel proof
Proof of funds
Recommended
May be checked
German citizens need an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization) to fly to Canada in 2026 — not a full visitor visa. The eTA is quick and cheap, but you must apply online before you travel. Start the application at least a few days before your flight, though it usually takes only minutes.
Apply for Canada eVisaOnly required when arriving by air; not needed for land/sea entry from the US. Linked electronically to your passport — no printout required.
Entry requirements
| Requirement | Details | Status |
|---|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)You must obtain an approved eTA before your flight to Canada; it is electronically linked to your passport. Required for visa-exempt foreign nationals | Apply online at the official eTA website (https://eta.cic.gc.ca/). Fee: CAD $7. Processing is usually minutes, but can take a few days if extra documents are requested. Must be approved before boarding. | Required |
| Passport validityEnsure your passport does not expire within 6 months of your planned departure from Canada. Must be valid for at least 6 months | Your German passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended date of departure from Canada. | Required |
| Blank passport pagesA blank page is needed for border officials to stamp your passport upon arrival. At least 1 blank page | Your passport must have at least 1 blank page for entry stamps. | Required |
| Return or onward ticketCarry your flight itinerary or booking confirmation to demonstrate your intent to leave Canada before your authorized stay ends. May be requested by border officials | Although not always required, be prepared to show proof of a return or onward ticket if asked by a border services officer. | Recommended |
| Proof of fundsBorder officers may ask to see that you can support yourself financially during your visit. May be requested by border officials | Although not always required, be prepared to show evidence of sufficient funds for your stay (e.g., bank statements, credit cards) if asked. | Recommended |
| Arrival declarationYou do not need to submit any pre-arrival declaration form; just complete the usual customs form on arrival. Not required | No separate arrival declaration is required for Canada; standard customs declaration is completed on arrival. | Not required |
No full visa needed — but don't skip the eTA
German passport holders cannot use a full visitor visa — they only need an eTA. However, you must have the eTA approved before you board your flight. Without it, you'll be denied boarding. Apply online at https://eta.cic.gc.ca/ at least a few days before travel.
eTA is valid for up to 5 years
Once approved, your eTA is valid for up to 5 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. You can use it for multiple visits to Canada during that period.
What happens at the border
1
Apply for your eTA online
Go to https://eta.cic.gc.ca/, fill out the form with your passport details, and pay CAD $7. Approval is usually instant — you'll get an email confirmation. If extra documents are requested, it can take a few days.
2
Book your flight and accommodation
Once your eTA is approved, book your flights and first night's accommodation. Keep digital copies of your booking confirmations on your phone.
3
Arrive at the airport in Germany
At check-in, the airline will verify your eTA is linked to your passport. Without it, you won't be allowed to board. Have your passport ready.
4
Go through Canadian border control
At a Canadian airport, proceed to a primary inspection kiosk (PIK) or see a border services officer. Have your passport ready and be prepared to answer questions about your stay. The officer may ask for proof of funds or return ticket, then stamp your passport with the authorized stay duration (typically up to 6 months).
Download Canada Entry Checklist
PDF · Germany Passport · Includes QR codes · Updated August 6, 2026
Overstay calculator
Enter your arrival date and we'll tell you exactly when you need to leave.
Staying longer & fees
Visa options if you want to stay beyond the free limit:
Visitor visa (TRV)
Max stayUp to 6 months (or as stamped)
ValidityUsually up to 10 years or until passport expiry
CostCAD $100 + biometrics (if applicable)
For those who do not qualify for eTA or want a visa for entry by land/sea (though eTA is not required for land/sea entry).
Work permit
Max stayVaries with permit
ValidityUp to 3 years (typical)
CostCAD $155 (most cases)
Requires a job offer and LMIA or exemption; not for tourism.
Study permit
Max stayDuration of study program + 90 days
ValidityUp to program length
CostCAD $150
Requires acceptance from a designated learning institution.
work visa
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
Up to 2 years, renewable
CAD 155 (~USD 115) employer compliance fee + work permit fee CAD 155
For skilled workers with a job offer from a Canadian employer. Requires Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Apply student visa
Study Permit
Duration of study program + 90 days
CAD 150 (~USD 112)
For international students accepted at a designated learning institution. Allows part-time work on campus.
Apply investor visa
Start-Up Visa Program
Permanent residence
CAD 2,140 (~USD 1,600) processing fee
For entrepreneurs with a qualifying business and support from a designated organization. Requires minimum investment.
Apply Other fees
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)Required for air travel to Canada; valid for up to 5 years or until passport expiry. | CAD $7 |
| Visitor visa (TRV) application feeOnly if you do not qualify for eTA (e.g., if you have a criminal record or are inadmissible). | CAD $100 |
| Biometrics feeRequired if you need to apply for a visitor visa; not needed for eTA. | CAD $85 |
| Extension of stay (visitor record)If you wish to stay beyond 180 days; apply before your status expires. | CAD $100 |
Common reasons for entry denial
Insufficient funds proof30%
No return ticket25%
Incomplete travel history20%
Approval probability calculator
Answer 6 quick questions — we'll estimate how likely you are to be approved for entry based on typical immigration patterns.
Transiting through Canada
No transit visa needed
German citizens transiting through a Canadian airport do not need a visa or eTA if they remain airside and depart on an international flight within 24 hours. However, if you need to clear immigration (e.g., to switch airports or enter Canada), you must have a valid eTA or visitor visa.
Airside transitAllowed up to 24h
Exceptions & conditions
- If you have a valid Canadian visitor visa, you do not need an eTA.
- If you are a lawful permanent resident of the U.S., you may be exempt from eTA requirements.
Transit hubsToronto Pearson (YYZ) · Vancouver (YVR) · Montréal-Trudeau (YUL)
Health & vaccines for Canada
Recommended vaccines
Routine vaccines (MMR, DTaP, polio, influenza)EssentialHepatitis ARecommendedHepatitis BRecommendedRabies (for remote or outdoor activities)Consider
Health risks
Lyme diseaseModerate risk
Tick-borne disease in wooded areas; use repellent and check for ticks.
West Nile virusLow risk
Mosquito-borne; risk is seasonal and low in urban areas.
Foodborne illnessLow risk
Generally safe food and water; standard hygiene recommended.
Based on CDC and WHO guidance. Consult a travel medicine clinic 4–6 weeks before departure for personalised advice.
Immigration offices for extensions
Vancouver
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) – Vancouver International Airport
3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond, BC V7B 0A4
Mon–Sun 24 hours
For entry/exit issues; extension applications are handled by IRCC online.
Toronto
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) – Toronto Office
55 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 101, Toronto, ON M4T 1M2
Mon–Fri 08:30–16:30
For visa and extension inquiries; appointments recommended.
Practical information for DE travellers
Country basics
CapitalOttawa
LanguageEnglish, French
Driving sideRight-hand traffic
US driving licenceUS license valid in Canada.
Money
CurrencyCanadian Dollar (CAD)
Exchange rate
1 USD = 1.42 CAD
Time zone
Local timeUTC-5
vs New YorkSame to -3h depending on province
vs Los AngelesSame to +3h depending on province
Electricity
Voltage120V / 60Hz
Plug types
A,BType A, B — same as the US. No adapter needed.
✓ No adapter needed for US plugs
Water & health
Tap water
Safe to drink
Safe to drink in all major cities.
Emergency numbers
Getting to Canada
Nearby destinations you can also visit
Countries close to Canada — with your same passport.
Frequently asked questions
For German passport holders, an eTA allows stays up to 6 months per entry. The exact duration is set by the border officer at entry — they may give less if they think you're staying too long. Check the stamp in your passport.
The eTA costs CAD $7 per person. That's it — no additional fees. Payment is made online during the application.
Most applications are approved within minutes. However, if extra documents are requested, it can take a few days. Apply at least a few days before your flight to be safe.
Yes, you can apply for an extension of your visitor status (visitor record) from within Canada before your current status expires. The fee is CAD $100. Extensions are not guaranteed — you must show valid reason and sufficient funds.
German passport holders do not need a transit visa for airside transit (staying in the international zone) at Canadian airports. However, you still need an eTA for air transit. If you plan to leave the sterile transit area or change airports, you need a visitor visa or a transit visa — check eligibility carefully.
If your eTA is refused, you'll receive a letter with reasons. Common reasons: insufficient ties to Germany, unclear travel purpose, or insufficient funds. You can reapply with stronger documentation or submit new information. There is no formal appeal process for eTA refusals.
No. An eTA is for tourism, business visits, or family visits only. If you plan to work in Canada, you need a work permit — options include the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) for skilled workers with a job offer, or the Start-Up Visa Program for entrepreneurs.
Official sources
Always verify before you travel
Entry requirements change. This page was verified on August 6, 2026. Always check the official embassy or government source before booking. Report an error — we update within 24 hours.